Co-financed by the EU Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund (AMIF), the EU-Belong project wants to improve the socio-economic inclusion and migrants’ sense of belonging through innovative regional integration strategies. By utilising both intercultural and multi-stakeholder approaches, this groundbreaking initiative aims to set a new standard for inclusion.

The Multi-stakeholder Model Framework and Toolkit describe the methodology used by EU-Belong partners in the establishment of their regional intercultural integration strategies. It provides not only the key elements that should be embedded, but also a practical guidance for policymakers to develop such policies. The document facilitates collaborative approaches essential for addressing the broader challenges of work and inclusion emphasised in the Knowledge Transfer Cluster “How People Work and Create”.

The process

Intercultural strategies are designed to foster understanding, cooperation, and integration among diverse cultural groups within a community or region. They go beyond simple coexistence by promoting active engagement, empathy, and respect among people of different backgrounds. Such strategies emphasise the importance of inclusive dialogue and shared spaces, where cultural differences are valued and seen as assets to the community rather than barriers. By integrating an intercultural approach, policies can support cohesive societies that embrace diversity while addressing the unique needs and perspectives of all community members.

In the EU-Belong project, partners implemented a comprehensive methodology designed to create policies able to embed an intercultural approach. The first step was a thorough assessment of the regional context to critically evaluate their policies and practices, measuring their effectiveness and identifying opportunities for improvement. Through this reflective process, regions could recognise the core components of an intercultural strategy that promotes true integration and understanding.

Building on these insights, regional authorities collaborated to design a model framework that would guide future actions, ensuring alignment with the needs and aspirations of all community members. This publication encapsulates the key learnings from this journey, offering practical guidance on how to develop an intercultural integration strategy at the regional level. By following these steps, regions can cultivate a more inclusive society that celebrates diversity while fostering shared democratic values.

The publication

This Model Framework and Toolkit for Regional Intercultural Integration is designed for practitioners and policymakers in migration, diversity, and inclusion across regions.

In Part One, the Model Framework establishes a shared understanding of multi-level, multi-stakeholder integration processes. Structured into ten sections, it outlines key elements of interculturality and presents contextual analyses of the ten partner regions assessed. The framework describes the objectives, stakeholders, informational and financial considerations, evaluation criteria, and legal aspects that shape intercultural integration strategies. Additionally, it includes resources to deepen understanding and expand knowledge on these topics.

In Part Two, the Toolkit guides users through a collaborative, co-design process for developing regional intercultural strategies. Organised around four strategic priorities, it provides a comprehensive overview and a detailed checklist to help users create effective workplans. These workplans are designed to enhance regional programs, scale and replicate best practices, inform and influence policy, and evaluate and share lessons learned.

The Model Framework and Toolkit serve as adaptable blueprints rather than rigid guidelines, to support regions in refining their integration strategies, fostering multi-level governance, and expanding inclusion efforts for diverse populations and identities. The collected knowledge widely contributes to the Transfer Cluster “How People Work and Create”, that seeks to foster a collaborative dialogue among diverse stakeholders to address the complexities of work and inclusion by focusing on creativity, innovation, and sustainable practices.

About the project

EU-Belong is a 3-year project co-funded by the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund of the European Union. Coordinated by the Assembly of European Regions (AER) within the framework of its Intercultural Regions Network (IRN), it is implemented in partnership with ten regional authorities from seven European countries: Arad and Timiș in Romania; Catalonia and Navarra in Spain; Donegal in Ireland; Emilia-Romagna in Italy; Leipzig in Germany; Pomerania and Poznan in Poland; Salzburg in Austria; and two technical partners: ART-ER Attrattività Ricerca Territorio and Istituto Economico Cooperazione Internazionale (ICEI).

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For questions contact Emanuela Pisanó, EU-Belong Project Manager at [email protected]